DOD’s New Climate Plan Starts with Injection of ‘Actionable Science,’ Promotes ‘Climate Literacy’

October 8, 2021

The Pentagon’s new plan to address climate change will be a team effort across the department, at installations and with other government agencies, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday, when the 32-page Climate Adaptation Plan was released.

“[T]he plan first centers the integration of climate-informed decision-making using actionable science into all department processes,” according to a DOD news story.

It outlines five areas where it will align climate adaptation and ongoing resilience efforts:

  • Climate-informed decision-making
  • Train and equip a climate-ready force
  • Resilient built and natural infrastructure
  • Supply chain resilience and innovation
  • Enhance adaptation and resilience through collaboration

“Tackling these challenges also presents an opportunity, because the bold steps we are taking are good for the climate and also good for our mission of defending the nation,” Austin said in a statement. “With this roadmap, the U.S. military will become even more resilient, efficient and innovative – and remain the world’s preeminent fighting force, ready to confront the risks of today and tomorrow.”

Because no entity within DOD is immune from the effects of climate change, no entity can opt out of helping implement the plan, DOD said in its news story.

Illinois National Guard photo

October 8, 2021

Recent News

Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding

Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding

When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell steps down from his Senate leadership role after the November elections, he’ll have at least two more years in the Senate. Now he’s signaled one of his priorities as a rank-and-file Senator is to increase defense funding,...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a bill this week to make it easier for military spouses to start work with a license from another state, according to a press release. “Our veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in...

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Airmen and Family Readiness at the 121st Air Refueling Wing invited airmen to bring their children to work at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, April 25. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion package Wednesday morning that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. After a long delay, the House passed the package Saturday, and the Senate followed Tuesday. “It’s a good day for America, it’s a good day for Europe,...

PAST STORIES